Brain Health: The Power of Fish Oil

Two new studies indicate the potential power of fish oil in maintaining brain health. The first study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia, analyzed data from 819 people with normal cognitive function, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that fish oil supplement use was associated with better cognitive functioning and less brain shrinkage in areas associated with memory and thinking, and it is the first time that brain structural changes have been linked to fish oil supplements across all three groups. However, researchers did not find any benefits for individuals who had a certain genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease known as ApoE4. The second study, published in JAMA Neurology, found an association between fish oil consumption and a reduced risk of developing Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative condition. Fish oil reduced inflammation and oxidative stress on cells, both associated with ALS. The JAMA research is important because it points towards possible dietary methods for preventing ALS.